Job Summary
Excellent Opportunity!
County of San Diego
LAND USE/ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER I
Interviews will take place the week of April 27, 2026.
The starting salary for this position will be based on the candidate’s qualifications at time of appointment.
Future Salary Increases
** June 2026 – 5% increase to base pay (3.5% Across-the-Board + 1.50% Market Adjustment)
** June 2027 – 4.5% increase to base pay (3.0% Across-the- Board + 1.50% Market Adjustment)
The County of San Diego is currently accepting job applications for Land Use/Environmental Planner I. The eligible list will be used to fill current vacancies in the Department of Public Works. This list may also be used to fill future vacancies on a county-wide basis.
Are you looking for an exciting and rewarding career or advancement opportunity? The County is seeking qualified individuals that can bring innovative ideas and strong work ethics to support continual advancements within the Watershed Protection Program in the Department of Public Works (DPW). Please visit Department of Public Works for additional information on the department.
The Department
The Department of Public Works (DPW) consists of four divisions and is responsible for: County-maintained roads; traffic engineering; land development civil engineering review; design engineering and construction management; land surveying and map processing; cartographic services; watershed quality and flood protection; County Airports; solid waste planning and diversion; inactive landfills; wastewater systems management; and special districts.
DPW's mission is to preserve, enhance and promote quality of life and public safety through the responsible development of reliable and sustainable infrastructure and services.
The Position
Land Use/Environmental Planner I is the first working-level class in the series and performs professional environmental and planning studies, research, and data analysis to develop goals and policy or project recommendations for adoption by decision-making bodies. Incumbents will provide support to a variety of different projects, as well as independently process projects/tasks characterized by having moderate public controversy, and of low complexity including conducting field assessments of public and private facilities to determine compliance with stormwater regulations; responding to complaints regarding stormwater pollution; providing outreach and education on stormwater pollution prevention and water quality objectives; assisting on stormwater projects, programs, grants, and contract activities; preparing various reports and documents; performing professional environmental and planning studies, research, and data analysis to develop goals and policy recommendations.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a self-motivated professional with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced, high-profile environment, communicate effectively verbally and in writing, hold self and others accountable, solve problems, to innovate, leverage resources, work collaboratively, demonstrate ethical behavior, is supportive of change, and has technical expertise in the field of watershed planning and/or wetland conservation and restoration.
DPW Work Location: The selected candidate(s) for DPW will be assigned a hybrid schedule consisting of teleworking or working remotely; and working at the DPW office in Kearny Mesa.
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
i. Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
ii. Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
iii. Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
Minimum Qualifications
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in Biology, Geology, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related science field AND at least one (1) year of professional level experience in the field of watershed planning and/or wetland conservation and restoration. Experience must be at the level equivalent to a Junior Land Use/Environmental Planner within the County of San Diego; OR,
- A master's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in Biology, Geology, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related science field. No experience required; OR,
- One (1) year of experience as a Junior Land Use/Environmental Planner with the County of San Diego.
Notes: Professional level land use/environmental planning experience in a public or private agency may substitute for education on a year for year basis, for up to two (2) years of the education requirement. Degree must be from a U.S. accredited college or university, or certified equivalency for foreign studies must be provided.
Blind Applicant Screening
The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.
Conditions of Employment
As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
Evaluation
The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based upon scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
Accommodation
Note: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job, on a case-by-case basis.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Veteran’s Preference Policy
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information.
Military Skills Translator
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.
Strategic Plan
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov)
Disaster Service Worker
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.Diversity & Inclusion
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
